Buying access cab within the next 2 weeks. Advice much appreciated

Again, my opinion:

The auto trannies that I've driven were dogs. Crap. Total crap compared to the manual.

Crappy shifting, bad acceleration. I can't say much for the mileage, as I never kept one long enough to check the mileage vs a manual.

The control, throttle response, and overall performance of the manual (even in the 4 banger) are a night and day difference. If I couldn't get a manual in a 4, I wouldn't buy my next Tacoma.

 

Driving style plays a big part in mpg. Out here on the east coast if I shift below 2000 rpms as some guys claim they do, I will be murdered by some road raged asshole in the first half hour. But its true that your mileage drops off considerably above 2000 rpms. I have an UG and it has really opened my eyes to how your driving habits affect your mpg. That said, I'm still very happy with my 6spd 4.0 AC 4x4.

 

I haven't driven a V6 with a manual, but I do agree that the manual is the best with a 4cyl. That's what my 2010 was, but I traded it for the 2012 with the V6 / auto combo.

 

Couldn't agree with xaks more. If a manual wasn't available I wouldn't buy a Tacoma. The auto just ruins any pleasure you might get from driving. IMHO of course.

 

I'm guessing you don't drive in a lot of stop and go traffic? I love a manual for a sports car, but my 5spd got to be a pain in city traffic.....

 

I do. Just hate the lack of control and driver involvement that autos bring. I feel like a passenger when I drive an auto. Theres just nothing to do. Each to there own though.

I think a four banger might be more enjoyable to drive with a stick though. Its a little under powered (again in my opinion only) and I think you might get more out of it if you can choose your own cogs. Might be a bit mundane with the auto.

 

I drive in a little bit of everything. A 5 speed in traffic doesn't bother me at all. I love that its a built-in excuse. "Sorry, I was driving, I couldn't pick up the phone!"

It sucks if you have a left knee injury though (Had this happen as a teen)

But, and I'll be honest, I can't imagine not having plenty of horses with the 4 cylinder and the manual. People that say "Oh, the 4 is underpowered" to me either don't know how to drive or have an automatic, or both.

I've had 1500 in the bed, I've towed 3000, I've pulled a Tahoe out of sugar sand three times, and never once have I thought "Gosh, I wish I had more oomph!" If anything, I've though "Oh goddamn it, I have a tree-quarter ton in the bed, why did they put fucking drums back there again?"

 

Sounds like you have your mind made up primarily based on mpgs, and you certainly can't go wrong with the 4 banger. But as others have said, the 2nd gens with the 4.0 V6 - Auto tranny is a real nice combination.

If you want the absolute base Prerunner model for practical / economical reasons, there's nothing wrong with that. However once you start test driving and comparing models, don't get excited about the TRD packages if you won't be doing any serious off-roading. Instead, invest in things that make it fun to drive, on roads, everyday.

The V6 SR5 Auto AC, with the nicer interior trim and options, is one helluva nice driving truck. So glad I was patient and held out for that model.

 

I'm curious though, and no one's asked... What does your dad say? He's a "forever Toyota guy" and the one writing the check. Does he already have a taco or two?